raga

noun

ra·​ga ˈrä-gə 

1

: one of the ancient traditional melodic patterns or modes in Indian music

2

: an improvisation based on a traditional raga compare tala entry 1

Examples of raga in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

She was particularly drawn to the complex, shimmering sound of the raga’s underlying tambura drone, which seemed to stretch on endlessly in time. —William Robin, New York Times, 25 Nov. 2023

We are introduced to the building blocks of various music traditions, such as the raga and tala in Indian classical music. —John Check, WSJ, 16 Nov. 2023

That, combined with a melody completely rooted in raga, is very compelling. —Vrinda Jagota, Pitchfork, 24 Oct. 2023

First, a timetable of the head-spinning array of activities on offer each day, including breath work, meditation sessions, and—a particular favorite—raga therapy, which essentially involved lying on the ground as a sitar was gently strummed, and most days led to a mid-afternoon doze. —Liam Hess, Vogue, 9 Oct. 2023

Each raga has specific religious meanings in the Sikh scripture. —Yannick Peterhans, USA TODAY, 8 Aug. 2023

What is a raga? —Trudy Lieberman, Harper’s Magazine , 7 Dec. 2021

Onto the Voyagers’ golden record was placed music from every corner and pocket: a raga; a Pygmy song from Zaire; bagpipes from Azerbaijan — the works. —Jay Nordlinger, National Review, 20 Dec. 2021

Featuring other former members of John’s band, the resulting album combined free-form jazz with the textures of Indian raga and shades of Alice’s roots playing gospel in the churches of Detroit. —Rolling Stone, 30 Nov. 2021

Word History

Etymology

Sanskrit rāga, literally, color, tone; akin to Sanskrit rajyati it reddens, Greek rhezein to dye

First Known Use

1788, in the meaning defined at sense 1